Southern California -- this just in

Wild weather could worsen; more lightning, power outages, heavy downpours and even hail possible

October 1, 2010 | 12:04
pm

Scattered thunder and lightning storms put on quite a show Friday morning across Southern California, causing lightning strikes and power outrages.

Officials warn the wild weather will worsen Friday afternoon, with heavy downpours, more lightning and even hail possible.

As of 11:30 a.m., the National Weather Service was warning of a heavy band of rain and wind moving through Universal City, Pasadena, Azusa and into Glendora. [Updated at 1:15 p.m.: Marble-sized hail was reported in Altadena, and the NWS said more storm cells were heading into th eAntelope Valley.]

In Northern Orange County, lightning strikes set fire to several trees and power lines. Several cities in Orange County reported power outages including Fullerton, Brea and Yorba Linda -- and Fullerton Community College closed Friday because of a lack of electricity. There were reports of people stuck in an elevator at the Fullerton courthouse.

The chance of showers and thunderstorms will be even greater Friday afternoon in the mountains and Antelope Valley, with those events eventually decreasing by Sunday afternoon, says the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office. Some of storm activity will produce brief heavy downpours and potential flooding.